was in fact as sincere and good-hearted as the generously impulsive De
Wilton. And he warmed to them both; for he had anticipated cold looks,
hatred, and jealousy, such as under like conditions he would have met
with on the Continent.

And as they rode there came a faint hail from the front--and thrice
repeated. The track at that point led through a wood and was straight
away for half a mile, then it swung to the left. Just near the turn
were two horsemen; and the rearmost, when he saw his cry had been
heard, waved his hat and gesticulated violently toward the other, who
was several lengths in front. Both were coming at top speed.

Sir James Dacre puckered his eyes and peered ahead.

"My sight is rather poor," he said, "but from yonder fellow's motions,
I take it he wants us to stop the other--an escape doubtless."

Just then the one in the lead shot through a patch of sunlight and both
Knights cried out.

"A woman!" said De Lacy.

"The Countess!" exclaimed Dacre. "What may it mean?"

"She went riding with Lord Darby shortly after mid-day," said Aymer.

"And that is Darby," added Dacre, as the sun hit the second horseman.
"Pardieu! I do not understand--it cannot be she is fleeing from him."

They drew rein, and watched the approaching pair.